February 21, 2023 . We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Jerome Schmidt, 19, was sentenced to 50 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) following the sentence imposed by Piatt County Judge Dana Rhoades. More Videos. Clarence A. Ballard was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Biden announces aggressive new, Newsfeed Now: Biden to launch new plan against COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Health experts concerned about COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Pres. Jun 10, 2021 Updated Jun 10, 2021. One of officers spotted what they believed to be a handgun in the vehicle and the officers tried to remove the driver, who fired multiple rounds at them from close range using a handgun, Brandel said. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) Decatur police are investigating a deadly drive-by shooting that occurred early Sunday morning. DECATUR, Ill. -- Two police officers conducting a traffic stop in a central Illinois city were shot and wounded early Wednesday by a motorist who died after officers returned fire, police said. Police say they arrived at the home to see a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Phillip J. Gehrken, 52, of Forsyth has pleaded not guilty to three alternate counts of first degree murder stemming from the July 11 fatal shooting of 51-year-old victim Kevin Cooper. 0. Defendant was sentenced to 36 months probation in November after pleading guilty to possession of a stolen firearm in a plea deal that saw all other charges dismissed. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Updated: Feb 8, 2023 / 09:27 AM CST. Chelsea Brownis among three people facing preliminary charges after a daughter of the convicted killer was attacked in a courthouse elevator while leaving her fathers sentencing hearing. During the incident, officers returned fire, shooting the suspect. READ THE STORY, Convicted sexual predator Christopher L. Bailey pleaded not guilty to 11 charges of possession and distribution of child pornography in Decatur. Tony J. Pettis is pleading not guilty to charges of the aggravated discharge of a firearm, two counts of the aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and a charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Decatur police investigating Friday morning shooting. accounts, the history behind an article. All other charges were dismissed. Police Chief Shane Brandel on Thursday also identified the officer for the first time. READ THE STORY. 2A former Decatur Parks & Recreation Department supervisor faces charges of theft and using his public office for private gain after a grand jury indicted him. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. You have permission to edit this article. Read More More Crime 1 dead in shooting off N. Decatur Rad in DeKalb County, police say. On The Beat. 3 hrs ago. The man later died. Fairchild was found mentally unfit to stand trial at a hearing in October and an order for treatment was filed. Smith pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated battery on a public way and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon in return for other charges being dropped. The victim was then taken to Decatur Memorial Hospital for treatment. The school board voted to expel three students at last nights meeting. Sun and clouds mixed. PEORIA, ILL. (WICS) Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Division of Forensic Services (DFS) Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) were requested by Mason County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) to investigate a suspicious death in rural Mason County. We are working very hard to make that happen. Decatur police Sgt. READ THE STORY, Andy R. McCulley Jr. is pleading not guilty to two counts of armed robbery, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and and a charge of mob action in the robbery of a homeless Decatur man. You can cancel at any time. Drake was sentenced to three years in prison in March of 2021 after pleading guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of cannabis. Three were from Decatur Police and one was from the Macon County Sheriffs Office. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) Decatur is making good on the promise to crack down on middle and high school violence. Other charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal. READ THE STORY, Seth M. Nashland, 31, was sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty totwo chargesof inflicting aggravated battery causing permanent disability tohis 8-week-old son, leaving the baby blind and racked by seizures. Nothing I say here tonight will put our community at ease. Blazich was sentenced in July 2021 to two years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm. READ THE STORY. Harvey was sentenced to six years in prison in August 2021 after pleading guilty to a charge of residential burglary. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. The CEO of the Decatur Housing Authority said the victim is a resident of one of its apartments. The charges allege Pocrnich sped away from a driver safety checkpoint, dragging an Illinois State Police trooper 25 yards in the process. Accepting applications for Auxiliary Police Officer! Don't knowingly lie about anyone Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Blake E. Merli is pleading not guilty to two charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and being an armed habitual criminal. Decatur is about 120 miles (190 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. Some may find these videos disturbing; viewer discretion is advised. Anyone with information or tips can call the police at (217) 424-2734 or call Crime Stoppers at (217) 423-TIPS. Josh Sheets said officers were detailed to the area at 6:25 a.m. Friday where they found a gunshot victim. Defendant was then sentenced to three years in prison in December for violating that probation in a knife attack on his father, who had been his co-defendant in the aggravated battery case. During the stop, the suspect fired at the officers, shooting and wounding two of the officers. READ THE STORY, Jarquez A. Hobbswas sent to prison for 54 years on May 13, 2021. He was arrested April 15. Please subscribe to keep reading. 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He also faces a federal charge of transportation of child pornography. Decatur Police Department blocked off the 500 block of West Macon Street after a report of a shooting. This investigation is our highest priority.. READ THE STORY. Park, 22, is pleading not guilty to charges of predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault of a 6-year-old Decatur boy. The bullet that went through his hand fragmented, which resulted in head and shoulder injuries. Biden announces aggressive new, Newsfeed Now: Biden to launch new plan against COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Health experts concerned about COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Pres. They will be out for the rest of this year and next school year. READ THE STORY. Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said the officers' injuries are serious, but both are expected to recover, the (Decatur) Herald & Review reported. You can also call Crime Stoppers at (217) 423-TIPS. Officers responded to the 1300 block of East Walnut St. at approximately 3:23 a.m. following reports of gunshot victims. Brandel said one Decatur officer was hit multiple times and a second Decatur officer was hit once in the exchange of gunfire. Around 9:20 a.m. police were called to a shooting at 1300 E. Walnut with a person shot inside a vehicle. He said Illinois State Police will conduct an investigation into the shooting, which is standard procedure in Illinois following such shootings. READ THE STORY, Nurse Velma L. Copeland denies aggravated identity theft and unlawful possession charges involving a dead patient's credit card. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. Two police officers and a suspect were shot early Wednesday during a traffic stop in the central Illinois city of Decatur, the city's police chief said. Buy Now. A bench trial DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The Decatur Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Tuesday, and reported that a space heater was the cause. High 53F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. DECATUR, Ill. (AP) Two police officers conducting a traffic stop in a central Illinois city were shot and wounded early Wednesday by a suspect who died after officers returned fire, police. READ THE STORY. The bullet-riddled body of Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, was discovered by a relative on Feb. 23 inside her home at 2528 Kentucky Road in Quincy, a city of about 40,000 people southwest of Chicago, WGEM reported. Randall R. Burrus, 50, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and with being in possession of a firearm after having been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. Jul 31, 2022 0 DECATUR A 14-year-old girl visiting Decatur to attend a graduation party was shot and killed early Sunday in a burst of gunfire that also left three other young people. Officers said neither victim would cooperate with police. That suspect was transported by ambulance to DMH where he was pronounced dead. WHEATON, Ill. (AP) A prosecutor said Thursday that no charges will be filed against a suburban Chicago police detective who shot and killed a robbery suspect who had wounded him . READ THE STORY, Marcus D. Boykin, 39, isaccused of driving up to a city police officer andtrying to shoot him to death. Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? Logan said her child choked to death after accidentally getting tangled up in bed sheets. MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) -A Dalton City man accused of stealing multiple catalytic converters was found not guilty after a bench trial on Thursday. He was sentenced to five years in prison. READ THE STORY, Police said Aric L. Corsby of Decatur beat his girlfriend, pressed a gun to her head and shot at her. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The Macon County Coroner has released the identity of the man who was killed in a shootout with Decatur Police officers Wednesday morning. Marcus Pocrnich, 21, has been charged in Effingham County Circuit Court with two counts of aggravated battery to a police officer, one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding and one count of resisting a police officer causing injury. As content changes we review and correct issues and are responsive to our users needs. Matthew A. Anderson Jr., 22, was sentenced June 23 in Macon County Circuit Court to a total of 50 years in prison for the murder of Curtis T. Hairston on Jan. 4. The Macon County Coroner identified the motorist as Jamontey O. Neal, 32, of Decatur. Calhoun was sentenced to 12 years in prison in June of 2020 after he pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder. Taylor, 30, was fatally shot in Decatur early Tuesday morning. The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Katari Smith of Decatur. DECATUR Decatur police are investigating a shooting that left one person injured Friday morning in the 500 block of West Macon Street. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. READ THE STORY. Jessica E. Bartimus was arrested on a preliminary charge of aggravated domestic battery after police say she inflicted life-threatening stab wounds on her 31-year-old boyfriend. Elijah K. Jones has pleaded not guilty to two counts of the aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, as well as charges of aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation and vehicular invasion at a preliminary. In a news release, Lieutenant Brian Cleary said officers were called around 12:15 p.m. for a report of a gunshot victim arriving at a hospital emergency room. Two male victims, including a 20-year-old man shot in the back and 17-year-old teen shot in the leg, were brought to Decatur Memorial Hospital. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -A man who was shot and killed Monday in Decatur has been identified. Pocrnich also wasissued numerous traffic citations. Daniel R. Blazich pleaded not guilty to charges that he triedto kill a Decatur man by hitting him in the head with a hammer and then holding on to the man while an accomplice shot the victim twice. Macon County Coroner, Michael Day has reported that Terrance Mitchell, 29, died. Andy R. McCulley III was sentenced May 20, 2021, to 120 days jail and 24 months probation after pleading guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the robbery of a homeless Decatur man. According to court records cited by the outlet, the couple split in February 2021 and lived separately. In the interest of transparency, the Decatur Police Department is releasing the body-worn camera and in-car videos of the incident. Police said the officers and the driver continued to exchange gunfire. I have been outspoken about the importance of transparency in law enforcement. An inquest is pending. READ THE STORY. The Macon County Coroner identified the motorist as Jamontey O. Neal, 32, of Decatur. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. A press conference hosted by Decatur Police regarding the shooting can be viewed on WCIA.com. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Decatur Police at (217) 424-2734. that is degrading to another person. Our officers and detectives will utilize every resource available to bring justice for the victim, he added. READ THE STORY, Kevin Brownis among three people facing preliminary charges after a daughter of the convicted killer was attacked in a courthouse elevator while leaving her fatherssentencinghearing. One officer is in stable condition; the other is in serious, but stable condition and underwent surgery for their wounds. Courtney Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he sexually exploited a child younger than 14. Police arrived at the crime scene at 3:23 p.m. and were joined by a member of the Adams County State Attorneys Office. 30-year-old male fatally shot Monday night. He was also sentenced to 180 days in jail, with credit for 180 days already spent in custody. He andDelahn L. Amos are accused of shooting a Decatur man who believed he was being hired to provide a member of Hines' family with a tattoo. READ THE STORY. Low 31F. He also faces federal charges ofpossessing child pornography and two counts of distribution. Ashley N. Jobe has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for partnering with her boyfriend to sexually assault two children under the age of 13. Quincy police execute search warrant as part of Bliefnick homicide investigation, Driver in Mattoon injury crash charged with domestic battery, fleeing police, Decatur man arrested after 1 killed, 1 injured in shooting, Decatur police investigating fatal shooting, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza, Greece train crash: Public anger grows as death toll rises. Illinois News; Illinois College Sports News; Chicago News; WEATHER RADAR | Latest E-Edition. Updated: Jan 22, 2023 / 09:50 PM CST. Travis C. Childress is accused of launching a one-man crime spree within weeks of being paroled from prison. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. DECATUR, Ill. (AP) Two police officers conducting a traffic stop in a central Illinois city were shot and wounded early Wednesday by a motorist who died after officers returned fire, police said. Scherer Working to Connect Laid-Off Akorn Workers with Available Resources. He was arrested March 24. When fire companies arrived on scene they saw heavy smoke from []. 12:30 am, Decatur Police Officers conducted a traffic stop of a subject believed to be in possession of a firearm. READ THE STORY. The strip mall where the incident occurred has a variety of shops and restaurants, bars and lounges. Around 9:20 a.m. police were called to a shooting at 1300 E. Walnut with a person shot inside a . Williams, who represented himself in court, has always maintained his innocence. Joshua A. Fairchild, 26, has been charged in Coles County Circuit Court with first degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death. READ THE STORY. During the shootout, one officer was hit multiple times and another was hit once. It was unclear who was held briefly before being released. He is accused of threatening to kill a Decatur man and firing two shots into the ground near the man's feet. 22-year-old Lamentae Turner is charged with two counts of murder, a Class M felony. There was a problem saving your notification. Sworn affidavits from Decatur police said Anderson had robbed the Circle K Gas Station at 1315 Koester Road in Forsyth on the night of June 16, 2020, implying to the terrified cashier he had a gun. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. READ THE STORY, Chancellor C. Embry pleaded not guilty to kicking in the front door of a Decatur home belonging to a terrified woman and stealing from her at gunpoint. Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel. READ THE STORY, Tyreco S. Garry is denying murder and attempted murder charges. Decatur, IL (62521) Today. Angela M. Schmitt took a plea deal May 20, 2021, in Macon County Circuit Court and admitted one charge of theft of more than $100,000 from the Decatur veterinary clinic where she used to work as office manager. If you encounter issues with our website, please report them so they may be corrected in a timely manner. A 31-year-old Decatur man has been arrested after a shooting that left one man dead and injured a 70-year-old woman in a nearby house, police said. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Bond also appeared in court in August of 2021 pleading not guilty to new charges of attempted murder, being an armed habitual criminal and the aggravated discharge of a firearm. . Paul M. Folks pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder after prosecutors accused of him of firing his revolver into the backs of a fleeing crowd and shooting a Decatur woman dead. Share with Us. The use of RSCs combine a strong sense of public awareness and enforcement in order to save lives of the motoring public. He is accused of shooting another man to death Jan. 9. sentenced to 30 months probation after pleading guilty to an amended charge of attempted residential burglary. Szekely was accused of fracturing her baby's leg and causing head injuries. Decatur is about 120 miles (190 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. The identity of the deceased has not been released and no suspects have been named. Don't Threaten. Bunch pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and was sentenced to three years in prison in December, 2021. You have permission to edit this article. Quincy resident Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, was found deceased in her home on Thursday after a family member became concerned when she didn't pick , Police searched a residence, and briefly detained an individual, Wednesday morning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the death. Not all U.S. presidents are missed once they leave the White House. the suspect later died at a local hospital. J.B. Pritzker signed into law earlier . READ THE STORY. Raymond D. Graham. In December the defendant was sentenced to 14 years in prison in a plea deal that saw him admit to a single charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon. 00:04. The Christian County Sheriff's Office reported the following to Regional Radio News;. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) - Decatur Police have released more information on the officer-involved shooting in Decatur early this morning. A collection of moments during and after Barack Obama's presidency. READ THE STORY. Charges were dismissed against defendant in an October hearing due to pending federal charges. READ THE STORY, Lori J. Kramer was sentenced to 24 months' probation and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation in connection with charges she repeatedly slapped an autistic boy across the face so hard she split open his top lip. The shooting happened during a traffic stop on Oct. 12. He was also sentenced to 104 days in jail with credit for 104 days previously spent in custody. Court documents filed on Wednesday include a three-count grand jury indictment against Paul Bryan Floyd, 56, of Rockwood Drive in Decatur. Other charges were dismissed. As a previously convicted felon, Neal was not allowed to have a gun. Shane A. Lewis, 41, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of possessing methamphetamine and two counts of resisting police. Crews responded to a report of a structure fire around 2:30 p.m. at the 300 block of N. 18th St. Defendant sentenced to 24 months probation in July after taking a plea deal that saw him admit a charge of committing aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The Decatur Police Department released on Monday video footage of a shooting that left two police officers hurt and a suspect dead earlier this month. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Dixon was sentenced to 11 years in prison in July of 2021 after pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated. Riding lawn mowers and welding equipment sit under a carport at a . Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Merli was sentenced to 9 years in prison in February 2021 after pleading guilty to dealing in meth and being a felon in possession of a gun. Cameron K. Taylor, 30, of Decatur, Ill. was pronounced dead on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 12:38 a.m. READ THE STORY, Dessica N. Jackson was sentenced May 25, 2021, to 30 months probation and 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the stabbing death of her Decatur ex-lover. March is Problem Gambling . Police Chief Shane Brendel said the officers pulled over Jamontey Neals car after learning from an informant that he was in possession of a gun. Michelle R. Batman, accused of helping herself at gunpoint to contents from a home she had previously moved out of, pleaded not guilty to a charge of residential burglary. He said preliminary autopsy and identification information will be released "when appropriate." READ THE STORY. The officers stopped a vehicle about 12:30 a.m. in Decatur and based on information known to the officers prior to the stop they ordered its driver to show his hands, but he failed to comply, Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel said in a statement. James T. Johnson was sentenced to 12 months conditional discharge on April 22, 2021, after pleading guilty to the aggravated assault of a peace officer. A charge of attempted murder was dismissed. The collision occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday at North 19th Street and Coles County Road 900 North. He was also sentenced to 149 days in jail with credit for 149 days already served. Some clouds. Timothy W. Smith pleaded not guilty April 1 to two charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a girl under the age of 15 and a charge of domestic battery involving physical contact against the same victim. A Decatur Police Department spokesperson said the injury is believed to be "self-inflicted."